New 2+2 connection between the School of Hotel and Restaurant Management at Northern Arizona University and the University of Hawaii

Northern Arizona University School of Hotel and Restaurant Management (HRM) has announced a new affiliation with the University of Hawaii – Maui (UH – Maui) to offer UH-Maui students a Bachelor of Science degree in HRM. Students can come from Maui, Hawaii to Arizona or graduate online or do both as a hybrid.

UH – Maui students will complete their associate degree in Maui and take courses in Hospitality Operations and Management, Accounting, Marketing, Food and Beverage Management, and other Hospitality Management courses before pursuing those credits into the NAU HRM Bachelor of Science degree in WA transferred to Franke College of Business in Flagstaff, Arizona.

“At NAU, students take courses in subjects such as hospitality marketing and sales, innovative technology, beverage management, financial management, hospitality design, cruise ship management, and other subjects. The NAU School of Hotel and Restaurant Management welcomes the most students from Hawaii than any other major on the NAU campus,” – according to dr Fred DeMicco, CEO and Professor at the School of Hotel and Restaurant Management.

Additionally, there are significant tuition savings through the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program, which allows out-of-state students a rate achievable at NAU, and out-of-state students from Hawaii are eligible for a reduced tuition rate at University of Northern Arizona.

The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program allows Hawaii students who meet university admissions criteria and live in one of the 14 western states to receive a tuition fee that is approximately 40% lower than out-of-state NAU tuition. This is a mutual agreement between WUE countries to allow students access to programs.

According to Professor Lorelle AS Peros, “This articulation agreement provides an excellent opportunity for our students to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Hospitality and Restaurant Management upon completion of the two-year Hospitality & Tourism program at UHMC. The online or hybrid model at Northern Arizona University (NAU) offers our UHMC students the flexibility to meet study requirements in an innovative academic environment.”

“During my undergraduate years, I spent a year at Northern Arizona University on the National Exchange Program and learned about the hospitality industry from world-class faculty on the Hotel & Restaurant Management Program. For me personally, this educational experience has been life changing and I am pleased that with NAU we have developed a 2+2 articulation to allow our students here on Maui to continue to explore additional mainland opportunities should they choose to do so. The rigorous academic program of NAU, combined with its values ​​of innovation and creativity as student success, empowers our students to thrive in the hospitality industry.”

“We look forward to continuing to work with Dr. DeMicco and his team at NAU!”

According to Precilla Ann Comesario Cox, academic advisor and director of the on-campus NAU Hawaii Club: “I grew up in Hawaii and moved to Flagstaff to attend NAU and it was one of the greatest experiences of my life. When this route is available to students in Hawaii, they can continue their education with an accredited program and explore other mainland opportunities. It’s a special experience, but students will learn so much inside and outside of the classroom and interact with a diverse group of people. It is so rewarding to connect with our Hawaii students at NAU and see them grow, thrive and discover how they can benefit others.”

Many School of HRM graduates and alumni work at places like the Four Seasons Maui, the Ritz Carlton Maui, Marriott International, Vacation Club, etc.

From Alumna Racine Robson, a Graduate Hotel and Restaurant Management (NAU HRM 2021):

“I started my career at the Ritz Carlton Kapalua in August 2021. Currently I am a receptionist, night auditor and hotel operator.”

“The Ritz Carlton has an amazing program of guidance, education and training to ensure our ladies and gentlemen are well prepared to apply the principles of honesty, respect and integrity. We are empowered and encouraged to maximize our individual talents to the best of our ability The Ritz Carlton fosters a diverse, valued and enhanced environment where individual needs, desires and unspoken desires are fulfilled. I’m honored to be part of such a wonderful company, where employees are empowered to make everyday decisions and Ritz Carlton guests create lives.”

“Overall, the quality of life here in Hawaii is enhanced by the ohana culture, the beauty of the land, and the spirit of aloha.”

“Please contact me anytime for more information and career opportunities; [email protected].”

“If you are interested in a position here at the Ritz Carlton Kapalua, I will be happy to assist you and provide you with the information necessary to advance.”

“mahalo” ~ Racine Robson (NAU HRM class of 2021).

For more information about the UH-Maui to NAU School of HRM program, please contact:

• Lorelle AS Peros, CHE, Faculty, Professor, Hospitality & Tourism Program – Department Chair, Business & Hospitality at the University of Hawaii – Maui at [email protected]
• Precilla Cox, M.Ed. – Academic Advisor, Sr. | The WA Franke College of Business, School of Hotel & Restaurant Management at Northern Arizona University [email protected]
• or Frederick DeMicco, Ph.D. Managing Director and Professor of the School of Hotel and Restaurant Management at the NAU [email protected]

About Northern Arizona University – School of Hospitality and Restaurant Management

University of Northern Arizona is a higher research institution that provides exceptional educational opportunities in Arizona and beyond. Nationally and online, NAU offers its nearly 30,000 students in Flagstaff a student-centric experience through rigorous academic programs in a supportive, inclusive and diverse environment

The School of Hotel and Restaurant ManagementBased at the WA Franke College of Business, aspires to be the premier school for hospitality executives that offers innovative, multiculturally oriented, student-centered learning experiences, both in person and through distance learning programs.

The WA Franke College of Business offers a diverse, close-knit classroom experience for students from a variety of backgrounds, including first-generation, veterans, state, city and country. Businessman and entrepreneur Bill Franke has provided a $25 million transformative gift because he recognized one of our key values: opportunity is for everyone. The support and business education our students receive directly impacts the well-being of NAU and all of Arizona. At Franke, you become a force for change wherever you go.

Fred DeMicco
University of Northern Arizona